Where the ball goes

Question
My wife, son and I just played on a golf course for the first time today. We have been taking lessons at the range for about a month.
It was one of the worst experiances of our lives. It took us 2 1/2 hours to play 8 holes and we only actually completed 2 holes.

Between the 3 of us we lost 19 balls in the 8 holes. The question is... How in the world do you see where your ball goes. I know the answer is "watch where it goes" but most of the time it's not as easy as it sounds.
I will not give up on this game. I know it takes ALOT practice

Answer
Hi Anthony:

Congrats on getting started.  Welcome to the great game of golf.  Get proper instruction, practice a little when you can and in no time you'll be enjoying the experience.  To answer your question, if you are trying to keep your head down, you'll never pick up the ball in flight.  DON'T DO THAT.  As the ball is struck, the ball is 50-75 yards out in front of you faster than you can blink.  The momentum of the swing forward should begin to pull you up to a finish.  Allow your eyes to move in the direction of the forward swing once the ball is struck.  Your head and eyes rotate to match the swinging momentum of the club.  Making a good, well balanced finish is important.  If you allow your eyes to follow the ball instead of trying to keep your head down, you'll pick up the ball soon enough.  So if I said "Keep your eye on the ball", now that would make sense.  If you are "trying to keep your head down", that makes no sense at all.  Why would you want to miss your good shots?  Have fun, work on a well balanced finish and allow your eyes to pick up the ball after impact.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member